Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1887-03-04


highly becoming turban-things which
no gypsy has ever been known to wear.
Sally was to appear modestly as a
peasant of doubtful nationality. with n
tucked waist and abrev ated skirt, and
her hair in two braids down her back.
Sally's hopes had somehow risen
rather high. This was almost the end
of Kitty's visit. almost the last time she
and Howard would be together, and
something must happen.
The fact of their approaching sepa-
ton would come home to them both;
would bring them nearer together;
would strike down all obstacles hithcr-
to existing. and bring matters to II hap
py end.
Mr.. Beadle was, of course, the chief
obstacle. Mr.. Beadle had shown
profound interest in the occasion-a
positive enthusiasm, which Sally con-
sidered revolving.
"A man of his age" she had said to
Kitty, Indignantly. 1T is absurd! He
will probably come as Infancy"
Undoubtedly" Kitty had respond
ed. gaily. "And Mr.. Bennett as II
lamp-post or tightening rod-he is so
amusingly tall!'
Mrs. Smythe's rooms were blaze of
light and a scene of whirlng gaiety.
Sally gazed upon the scene bewilder-
al h. 6 10
had lost sight of Kitty, and in the pres
ent state of confusion could not be sure
of knowing her again.
A stalwart Highlander. with a fero-
cious mask, paused before her. and ap.
peared to be examining her intently.
Then he came nearer, and stood re-
gardng her critically, with his head on
one side, folding his arms and crossing
his scantily clothed limbs with a
satisfied air.
'He thinks I'm somebody else, - said
Sally to herself, amu,edly, aud forgot
him in new excitement
She had caught a glimpse of red
waist and twinkling skirt of gay
turban and flying mass of dark hair
Kitty was in a low chair at the furth-
er end of the room, her bare. round
arms. with their silver bands, cleaning
white, and her smiling red lips. just
} visible.
A distinguishedlooking individual,
in costume of Louis XVI. was perch
/ ed upon an ottoman at her side, gazing
upward in an obvious state of admira-
! ton and bliss.
Sally craned her neck. Surely it was
Howard! Only the top of his head was
visible behind his exaggerated ruff; but
surely that limited portion bore a strik-
ing resemblance to Towards.
Sally felt a thrill of exultation; this
was exactly what she had hoped for
The music struck up; the II ghlander
offered his arm promptly, and away
they whirled.
Their steps were emnently suited.
Sally's checks began to glow behind her
mask, and her eyes to sparkle.
ers paused; there WAS A little hum of
excitement, and then a simultaneous
removal of masks.
Sally looked around eagerly. Kitty
and Louis XVI stood near-Kitty sml-
ing and glowing. Louis XVI stroking
a stubby mustache and beaming down
upon her.
Sally looked up at her partner in
amaze, and encountered the affection
ate gaze of a pair of blue eyes, and n
smile from beneath blonde mustachc.
1T is rather warm here said the
/ Highlander, softly. Shall we step out
side?"
And Sally went.
Half an hour later, when the rioting
within had reached its widest point,
they were still standing out under the
stars, with the music floating out to
them softly.
Towards fair head was bending
very low, and Sally's long braids fell
/ over his arm.
Butt is so perfectly unexpected. )"
she was saying, in a subdued way. II
had never even thought of such q
thing"
NO." said Howard in an aggrcved
tone everybody could see that"
you see" said Sally, in a meekly
apologize way, lit was always Kitty l
was thinking of. Dear met and she
laughed.
Half an hour ago. she would hardly
have laughed at this knowledge of the
ignominious failure of her plans. 1t
was quite unexplainable.
l could hardly wait to tell you!"
cried Kitty.
She was sitting on the side of the
bed, her dark hair in charming con-
fusion around her shoulders. her silver